Keeping up with the Founders

To date, the Warrick Dunn Foundation's "Homes for the Holidays" program has helped 74 single parents and 192 children and dependents earn homes of their very own for the first time. It's a dream Dunn carries on in honor of his mother, a Baton Rouge policewomen and single mother of six, who was ambushed, shot and killed in a bank robbery while working extra duty as a security guard. It was a night that would change Dunn's life forever.

The 12th Annual Grand Slam for Children was a huge success, raising $9.1 million for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. Andre and his wife Steffi Graf will also be featured on Oprah’s Big Give, ABC’s new reality show focused on philanthropy.

In March, author/educator Stedman Graham will present an educational program for high school athletes. The program will bring together students for an inspirational workshop including a panel discussion with Geoff Thompson, five-time World Karate Champion from England, and some of the region’s most highly-regarded sports figures.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The LAF focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF has raised more than $250 million for the fight against cancer. Join 60 million LIVESTRONG wristband wearers and help make cancer a national priority. Unite and fight cancer at LIVESTRONG.org.

Jeff hosted “A Hero’s Journey” which raised $332,000 for the Hendrick Marrow Program and brought together bone marrow donors and recipients. At the Dickies 500 Texas Motor Speedway, Jeff presented the keys to a 2006 ZO6 Corvette to Bob Marian, winner of the 2007 Corvette Raffle benefitting the Jeff Gordon Foundation.

On January 26,2008, Mia and husband Nomar Garciaparra hosted a celebrity soccer match benefitting the Mia Hamm Foundation and uniting bone marrow donors and recipients. Celebrity players included: Tony Hawk, Julie Foudy, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, Landon Donovan, Ty Pennington and more.

The 4th Annual Stand Up for Skateparks raised over $1 million to continue building high quality skateparks across the country. With the most recent Grant Cycle, the Tony Hawk Foundation has now given over $2 million in grants to 365 different communities. Spring 2008 Grant Applications were due by March 1st.

The Little Star Foundation brought a group of kids to San Diego for fun and adventure. Andrea received “The Most Dynamic Woman Award” from Clarins and the John Wooden Citizenship Award in Atlanta. In February, she will be inducted into the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.

In April, Jackie Joyner-Kersee will host the 2008 “Winning for Life” track & field event. This electrifying, high energy, regional event attracts over 1,000 female student-athletes from four Midwestern states and more than 50 schools. Each year, Jackie invites a group of 15 collegiate, national, international, world, and Olympic Champion athletes and coaches to participate as workshop motivators, role models and facilitators. In May, Joyner-Kersee’s foundation will host the 4th Annual Mary Ruth Joyner Mother’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show.

The Mario Lemieux Foundation has announced that the 2008 Mario Lemieux Celebrity Golf Invitational presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will take place at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort from June 25-26, 2008. The 8th annual tournament seeks to raise funds for cancer and neonatal research projects of the Mario Lemieux Foundation.

Since 1997, AM Charities has raised more than $6.5 million for various programs that aid in the development of children and their families. In addition to supporting other non-profit organizations, Mourning has focused his attention to stimulating the development of youth enrichment centers. With the help of donors, Mourning opened the first center in 2003 in the historic area of Overtown, in South Florida, known as the Overtown Youth Center. For more information on Alonzo Mourning and his charitable efforts, please vist the links below:

Cal was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame this summer, and in a special sendoff ceremony at Camden Yards, Peter Angelos and the Baltimore Orioles made a $1 million gift to the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. Badges for Baseball expanded to Massachusetts and the Play Ball Program launched in Fredericksburg, PA. Badges for Baseball was again featured at the Office of Justice Programs Law Enforcement and Youth Partnership for Crime Prevention Conference in December.

AFH Matches

On January 27th Athletes for Hope brought Superheroes of all kinds to the Hope for Henry Superhero Celebration in Silver Spring, MD. Hope for Henry provides gifts of high-end, portable consumer electronics and other well-chosen gifts and programs to children undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses. Athletes for Hope arranged for National Soccer Hall of Famer, John Harkes as well as members of the Georgetown University cheerleading squad and Hoya Mascot to attend and support the event.

On Wednesday February 13, Kristine went up to the Boston Children's Hospital to visit with the kids and interview for their monthly in-hospital television show for kids. Kristine wrote about her experience on her website. Read more to hear what she had to say.

Christina Fusano spent an afternoon at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Northern California on Tuesday, January 15th. Christina spoke with the kids, handed out pictures and autographs and brought along her tennis racket for the kids to play with. To learn more about the Hospital for Children, please read more.

U.S. soccer star Heather Mitts conducted a clinic for the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood’s new soccer team at the Hollywood Recreational Center. Heather taught 14 children, ranging from 8-11 years in age, passing, heading, ball control, and other basic soccer drills during the clinic.

Rookies of the Month

Athletes for Hope Updates

Athletes for Hope Playbook

As a professional or Olympic athlete, there are many issues to consider in giving back to the community, and Athletes for Hope has created a Playbook that will help guide you in this process.

Hello from Our Founding Corporate Partners!

At Genworth Financial, and our charitable giving arm the Genworth Foundation, we believe it takes just one to change the world - one hammer, one phone call, one step. By joining forces with Athletes for Hope, we extend our philanthropic reach to make a difference in the lives of millions of people.

At Genworth, we're excited about the many opportunities we have to reach out and give back to our communities around the world every day through our volunteer efforts, partnerships like Athletes for Hope, and events such as the Genworth Children's Advantage Classic. When we each reach out and give back, collectively we can make a difference and Change the World.

Stanford Financial Group recognizes the need to develop partnerships with strong organizations that share the company’s heart and passion for making a true and lasting difference in the world.

By partnering with Andre Agassi, Lance Armstrong, Alonzo Mourning, Mia Hamm and the other dedicated founders of Athletes for Hope, Stanford is honored to work alongside athletes who teach the lessons of discipline and sacrifice and, more importantly, demonstrate how passion, character and determination can drive the human spirit to reach beyond its potential.

These athletes have repeatedly proven that leadership is not only showcased with a tennis racquet, bicycle, basketball, or soccer ball, but also with something more powerful…by example. The 12 founders of Athletes of Hope are leading philanthropists, having raised more than $500 million for charitable causes. To Stanford, that’s the very definition of “making a true and lasting difference in the world.” And, that’s exactly why Stanford is proud of its role as a founding sponsor of Athletes for Hope.